Wajir has put in place comprehensive measures to address potential flooding and safeguard residents from potential disaster, county commissioner Karuku Ngumo has said.
He said the Kenya Meteorological Department had forecast heavy rains between Friday and Sunday.
“Certain parts of this county might experience heavy rains resulting in floods and we have mapped out those areas,” Ngumo said.
He spoke after a County Steering Group (CSG) meeting in Wajir.
Ngumo outlined plans to identify water bodies prone to overflow during heavy rainfall.
“We have equally mapped out the big water bands we have that are likely to overflow in case we experience heavy rains,” he said.
Ngumo said local authorities are actively engaging with residents to ensure timely response and community awareness.
“Ward administrators, chiefs and ACCs are on the grounds sensitising the people that they might be required to move to other areas if the situation gets out of hand,” he said.
Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed said there is a need for proactive intervention.
“As we assess the situation today and focus on what might be in the future, we are drawing up interventions and mitigative measures to reduce potential disasters,” he said.
Reflecting on previous challenges faced during floods, the deputy governor said it is important to expedite road projects.
“Access to sites mainly affected by floods has been a major challenge in past seasons,” Muhumed said.
The deputy governor called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to prevent a recurrence of past challenges.
“We are calling on the national government to expedite the construction of critical roads and urging all stakeholders to synchronise their efforts for maximum productivity,” the deputy governor said.
While Wajir county remains free from flash floods, the authorities are maintaining vigilance and readiness.
“Anything could happen between now and the forecasted heavy rains, and it is a call for all actors, stakeholders, partners and the business community to assemble their energies for optimum preparedness,” the deputy governor said.
